Vernon Vipers
GM & Head Coach: Jason McKee
2022-23: GP 42 – 20-18-0-4, 7th Interior Division
Home: 14-6-0-2
Away: 6-12-0-2
Goals For: 113
Goals Against: 137
Powerplay: 28 for 138 – 20.3% (9th in BCHL)
Penalty Kill: 147 of 171 – 86.0% (1st in BCHL)
Season Series:
Feb. 18 @ Nanaimo, 7PM
Last Game: The Vipers won their second game in a row and 6th of the season on the road last night in Powell River. Lee Parks had four points (2G 2A), Hank Cleaves had (1G 2A), Griffen Barr had three assists and Reagan Milburn also had a multi-point night with a goal and an assist. Connor Elliott scored the shootout winner while Ethan David made 34 saves, none bigger than a shootout save on Alex Sandhu.
Tonight’s Game: Just like last night it’s the first time in 3 and a half years that the Vipers will visit the Frank Crane Arena. The Vipers have found their offensive stride over the last two games scoring 10 goals. Their powerplay jumped into 9th position in the BCHL and has been very good over the last couple of games. They very well could have five powerplay goals, as they’ve scored 3 times moments after the man advantage ended. The Vipers are now 6-4 in their last 10 games.
Nanaimo Clippers
GM & Head Coach: Colin Birkas
2022-23: GP 40 – 30-9-1-0, 1st Coastal Conference
Home: 16-6-1-0
Away: 14-3-0-0
Goals For: 161
Goals Against: 124
Powerplay: 34 for 143 – 23.8% (2nd in BCHL)
Penalty Kill: 95 of 126 – 75.4% (16th in BCHL)
Last Game: The Clippers lost for just the 9th time this season last night against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. It was just the 6th loss of the year on home ice. Brody Waters scored his 20th of the season. The Clipper powerplay, which is 2nd best in the BCHL went 0 for 2. Aidan Campbell made 29 saves in the loss.
Today’s Game: Nanaimo has dropped two straight games coming into tonight’s action. They are 6-4 in their last 10 hockey games. This is the second of a two-game homestand. The Clippers will head out on the road for 4-straight away from home. The Clippers know how to put the puck in the net, they are second in the BCHL in goals for. Kai Daniells leads Nanaimo in scoring with 23 goals and 28 assists. Aidan Campbell has suited up for all but 10 games for Nanaimo this year. He has 23 wins.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast on 107.5 Beach Radio and HockeyTV, starting with the pregame show at 6:45 pm.
